Unwanted Mate Of The Lycan Kings (by jessica hall)

Chapter 24

~Zirah~

I squeal, turning and running for the fields. My laughter rings out as the kids chase me, Gnash, Hunter,

and Shadow joining the chase. "You're supposed to be on my side," I tell my wolves as they herded

me, trapping me as the kids circle around when I realize what it is they're after. The bag Lyon placed on

my shoulder.

I realize a moment too late when I am tackled. One minute I see tiny faces, the next I see stars. I close

my eyes waiting for the impact but it never comes, the kids so close they keep me upright, as they

rummage through the bag, and my pockets. Their tiny hands tickling and prodding until they steal the

bag, running off in victory. Falling on my butt, I hear snickering and look up to see Lyon strolling toward

me. "A little warning would have been nice," I tell him.

"Nah, I liked the look of horror on your face when you realized you were next," he laughs. I raise an

eyebrow at him just as Shadow and Gnash brush against my sides. I nod toward Lyon, and all three

wolves rush at him. One minute he is standing, the next he is on the ground in the dirt, being mauled by

their fierce flicking tongues.

"You're right," I tell him, standing over him. "That was quite satisfying seeing the horror on your face

when you realized my wolves were coming for you," I laugh. Lyon tried to trip me up, but I took off

running back to the square, him hot on my heels until he caught me just as we reached the kids.

His arms wrap around me and he growls, burying his face in my neck. His stubble tickles my neck and

makes me cringe which makes him do it again. He led me toward the fires when I saw what the

children were so hype about. "I got attacked over marshmallows?" I laugh. As we settle around the fire,

I couldn’t help but feel content and at peace with everything. The warmth from the fire and the people

surrounding us, made it hard for me to imagine ever wanting to leave this place. I watch as Lyon laughs

with some of the men, joking about the fish they caught earlier in the day while others play music on

their instruments, their voices blending in harmony.

As the night draws on, some of the children have started to tire out, curled up in blankets near their

parents while others continue to play games under the dark sky. I find myself lost in thought, staring

into the flames of the fire until a hand on my knee brings me back to reality.

"We should try to rest while we can," Lyon tells me and my brows furrow. "What?" Lyon smiles.

"You'll see, but come on, let's go rest. I feel a food coma coming on," he tells me while offering me his

hand. "Shouldn't we help pack up?"

"No need," Lyon says not adding anything else as I see parents picking up sleeping kids carrying them

toward the huge community hall which I found is used for celebrations, saves everyone having to walk

home, instead they sleep in the vast hall, so everyone can join in, the parents taking turns at minding

the kids or entertaining them.

However, Lyon is right about the food coma, the more I walk the fuller and heavier I feel. "I shouldn't

have eaten so much," I tell him, feeling woozy. "Wouldn't have anything to do with the 10 smores the

kids made you?"

"It would have been rude to say no, and they were so good!" I groan the last word, remembering the

sweet gooey goodness. Lyon laughs, leading me inside and the moment we reach the room I fall face

first onto the fur blankets and the three wolves that had decided to become extra padding. They move

around me, cocooning me in their warmth while Lyon starts the fire in the hearth. When he returns they

move again, allowing him room before curling up around us. It doesn't take long before I succumb to

sleep. Yet sleep doesn't remain.

The sudden racket of loud banging jolts me awake, my heart pounding as if ready to break free from

my chest. I look towards Lyon, alarm etching my face, but he seems unperturbed. His lips pull into a

gentle smile, his eyes still closed as he smiles. "Did you hear that?" I ask him. His eyes open, peering

up at me shining in amusement. Content © copyrighted by NôvelDrama.Org.

"Just fireworks, Zirah," he reassures me, the curve of his mouth growing.

The idea of such a display pulls at my curiosity, and the childlike excitement that bubbles within me is

undeniable. "Can we see?" I ask, my voice barely a whisper.

He takes my hand, leading me through winding lanes and lively bazaars, the city illuminated under a

cascade of colors and light. It feels like a scene out of a magical tale, the air filled with laughter and

music, the streets teeming with life and joy. Vendors holler, a few remaining children run about, and

there's an infectious energy that sweeps me off my feet.

"What are they celebrating?" I question, unable to keep the awe from my voice.

Lyon turns to me, his eyes soft under the moonlight, "Their Queen.... You," he tells me, and I gasp.

As we sway to the rhythm of the celebration, our bodies moving in harmony, the night turns into a blur

of music, laughter, and joy as we wander around watching the fireworks and everyone celebrating.

People begin to dance around the bonfire, and Lyon grabs my hand, pulling me toward the city center,

leading me into the crowd. His body moves effortlessly with the music and I follow suit, feeling free and

unburdened.

We dance until we are breathless, until the music becomes a distant echo and the city's noise merges

into a gentle hum.

We danced together for what felt like hours, until finally, our feet ached and our bodies were tired.

Exhausted, we eventually retired to the castle, only instead of going back to the room, Lyon took me to

the rooftop. Sprawled under the canvas of twinkling stars, we watch more fireworks light up the skies,

the smell of smoke and celebration in the air.

The stars twinkle in the sky, their light flickering like a million tiny flames. In that moment, I felt an

overwhelming sense of calm and contentment wash over me.

"This is what life should be like," I say softly, breaking the comfortable silence between us as I turn my

head to look at him.

"It's what life is like here," Lyon replies, his voice low and soothing. "And you're part of it now, if you

choose to be," he whispers.